Speculating from an Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL news and rumors feat. Tyler Johnson, Steven Stamkos, Wayne Simmonds, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and many more!
"I expect a contract announcement really any day here between the #Oilers and Puljujarvi." – Mark Spector (Sportsnet) pic.twitter.com/Q54SxXXdRD
— BLH (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast} (@BeerLeagueHeroe) October 7, 2020
The News and Rumors
- Pierre LeBrun (TSN): The Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens both have genuine interest in Wayne Simmonds. It would have to be a reasonable contract but he’d be a good fit for both clubs.
BLH’s Thoughts: I really like Wayne Simmonds. He’s not the guy he used to be back in the day that everyone feared but he’s a very serviceable bottom-six winger who’ll provide excellent depth and a really good net-front presence on a second-unit PP. Oh, and he’s still one of the toughest players in the league.
- Ryan Rishaug (TSN): After a quiet weekend, wouldn’t be surprised if things pick up on the RNH contract front this week. The Puljujarvi situation should be clarified as well.
BLH’s Thoughts: My feeling is that Oilers management is planning this season’s offseason with next year’s at the forefront of their mind and want to know how big of a piece of the pie RNH is going to be getting. Also, if they aren’t even close, maybe Ken Holland gets a little more aggressive with some other moves like Taylor Hall or an elite defender.
- James Mirtle (The Athletic): Kyle Clifford turned down an offer from the Maple Leafs for a 3yr deal at over $1M AAV. He’s coming off of a $1.6M deal and he’ll be going to market.
BLH’s Thoughts: Can you see a team giving him $1.6M on a deal in this financial climate? He should’ve taken the money I reckon. Don’t get me wrong, Clifford is a fine 4th line grinder who I’ve heard is fantastic in the locker room and those Stanley Cup rings look good, but it’s not the right year to be looking to make bank if you’re playing under 12 minutes a game.
- Bob McKenzie (TSN): Word on the street is the Washington Capitals are the clear front runner to sign Henrik Lundqvist. It would presumably be a short-term, bargain contract.
- Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): The NHL is planning for a new “target date” to start next season on January 1st. Not a guarantee it starts then, but that’s where they stand now.
BLH’s Thoughts: Good luck with that starting date. I haven’t heard anything on the CAN/US border lately and things aren’t looking rosy in either country COVID-wise…
- David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period): Plenty of chatter around Buffalo lately. Sabres actively trying to trade for a top-six scorer. Have been linked to Nick Schmaltz and Jake DeBrusk.
BLH’s Thoughts: Personally, I like DeBrusk for the Sabres better. I’m thinking Dylan Cozens is going to make the club as their 3C or if not there take one of their RW slots. This is a club that needs players who give a shit. Similar to Edmonton. They’ve got to nip this “losing culture” vibe in the bud and fast while Rasmus Dahlin and Jack Eichel are still happy to play there.
- More Pagnotta: Tampa is trying to get a 1st round pick as part of a deal for 30yr old Tyler Johnson or Alex Killorn and teams are balking.
BLH’s Thoughts: HAHAHAHAH! I suppose it doesn’t hurt to ask but man. That’s reaching. I’m betting that they’ll be paying to get rid of one or both of those players. Maybe if it’s enough, Edmonton gets in the action for one of them.
The Oilers Speculation
I don’t know what’s going to happen today for sure. I’ll be asleep while day two of the draft takes place, so hopefully, Mr. Holland has a few moves up his sleeve.
I’d love to see the Oilers take a swing on some high skill forwards if they’re available like Alexander Pashin (Tolpar Ufa), Daniil Guschin (Niagara Ice Dogs), Daniel Torgersson (Frolunda), Theodor Niederbach (Frolunda), Emil Heineman (Leksands), Tyler Tullio (Oshawa Generals), Tristen Robins (Saskatoon Blades), James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads), Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion), and Oskar Magnusson (Malmo).
If he’s going for defensemen in the later rounds, I really like Ethan Edwards (Spruce Grove Saints), Tyler Kleven (USNTDP), Michael Benning (Sherwood Park Crusaders), and Luke Prokop (Calgary Hitmen).
As for goalies, I’m not sure they’ll go for one but they could land one of the better ones with their 3rd rounder in Joel Blomqvist (Karpat) or just wait until the 7th rounder and go for an overager like they did last year.
As it is, I’m looking forward to waking in a few hours up to some earth-shattering news but knowing the NHL, I won’t be shocked if nothing happens.
I’ll be posting my thoughts on the Oilers draft probably tomorrow or the day after when everything is all said and done and I’m not competing with the other blogs to see who can have their analysis up first.
Have a good one!
